My brother Dan writes his sermon outlines in a way that is like no other! To preserve the integrity of the remarks, I have left them in the outline format he likes to use. With a little effort, you can read about "MaiMai," a truly remarkable woman---our grandmother, who died this last Tuesday at the age of 85.
Proverbs 31…says…
"Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.
· Mary Edwards… or Mai Mai as we called her… certainly was a jewel in her own right!
· She was always…above all… a virtuous woman.
· Webster’s defines virtuous… as “morally excellent, righteous, or chaste.”
· Mai Mai was certainly all those things
· When I think of Mai Mai… I think of a true lady.
· She was always very modest and lady-like.
· She was very proper in her manner of living!
· First and foremost…she was a Christian
· And she knew what her role as a woman of God was in the church…home…and community.
· I think that her dear sister Martha…who has cared for her these many months
· Would agree… that Mai Mai was a priceless person.
· And Mai Mai would have said the same thing about Martha.
· They were inseparable in life.
· They grew up together… and worked together before they married.
· They married brothers… moved to Florida… and shared a home for many, many years.
· They shared many of the same talents…
· But most important… they shared the same precious faith.
· Doug noted that…it was rare for two couples to live together… and get along so well
· All four were even on the same checking account
The heart of her husband safely trusts in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
· Our Pappaw… Carl… always seemed to have the utmost trust in MaiMai.
· He expected that she would care for the home… and the business of the home,
· And never disappointed him.
· She had good… sound judgment… and he knew that he could count on her to run the home efficiently and joyfully!
· Pappaw and MaiMai were married for 42 years.
· They always seemed to us grandchildren as being crazily in love.
· He called her “Shuug…
· She called him Honey… or Darlin’ in that soft… southern accent of hers!
· Except she made “D…ar…linnnn…” have about six syllables… the way she said it.
· She always looked out for him… made sure that he took all his medicine on time,
· And that he did not eat too many of his beloved sweets or salty things!
· Which was basically the contraband that my father snuck him around holidays…
· Pappaw fussed about all the care she took of him, but in the end…
· He trusted her judgment… and he did what she suggested… most of the time!
She seeks wool, and flax, and works willingly with her hands.
· Perhaps one of MaiMai’s greatest talents was her sewing ability!
· I believe that is how Pappaw and MaiMai met.
· MaiMai knew a good sewing machine salesman when she saw one!
· He sold the sewing machines… and she sewed with the greatest of talent.
· He not only won her business… but he also won her heart!
· My sister can remember when Mai Mai and Aunt Martha
· Had an upholstery business in the garage of their home.
· They could sew anything… even without a pattern.
· Dana remembers a time when MaiMai cut out a dress for her and sewed it up,
· All in the space of a couple of hours… and without a pattern!
· It was one of her favorite dresses of all time!
She is like the merchants' ship; she bringeth her food from afar.
· Boy, could Mai Mai cook! After sewing all day, she would step into the kitchen,
· And she and Aunt Martha would whip up some of the most scrumptious dinners
· Using that good old… Southern cooking… they had learned back in Tennessee!
· Every meal she made was always wonderful.
· She could even make a sandwich special!
· Anyone who dined at her table feasted!
· And many did, as she was very hospitable, too.
· Don and Drew remember trying to guess what flavor pie Mai Mai had baked one time
· And they guessed “Grape.”
· She and Martha still laughed about that…the last time Don saw her.
· Instead of grape (which she could have figured out how to do if anyone could)
· She baked a wicked chocolate pie for their birthday… one of her specialties
She rises also while it is yet night, and gives meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. She considers a field, and buys it: with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard. She girds her loins with strength, and strengthens her arms. She perceives that her merchandise is good: her candle goes not out by night. She lays her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
· Mai Mai was never afraid of work… and she always was busy with something.
· If she was not sewing or cooking, she was finding something else to do in the house or yard.
· We remember one time that MaiMai and Marni had been after Pappaw & Uncle Ralph
· To get some paneling put up in their sunroom…and the job…just say…had not quite happened.
· So one day… they just went out there and got the hammers
· And they paneled that whole room themselves!
· And it looked just as good as a professional could have done!
· They also once bricked their own mailbox in…
She stretches out her hand to the poor; yea, she reaches forth her hands to the needy.
· Mai Mai could always find time to help someone in need.
· She was always tending to those in the church…caring for the elderly and sick.
· Everyone remembers how she and Martha took on the care of Ted and Pam when their mother was too sick to care for them.
· This they did in addition to all their other work.
· But being the humble Christian she was… Mai Mai did not brag about her good works.
· She was content to do what she could for the Lord… and let Him reward her efforts.
· We all remember the times she and Pappaw took us to the beach
· And after we all good and sunburned…she applied the dreaded, stinky vinegar
· We smelt like the Vlassic Pickle Factory…
· She sent regular birthday cards… and oranges at Christmas
She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. She makes herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land. She makes fine linen, and sells it; and delivers girdles unto the merchant.
· We also remember how Mai Mai would make suits for Pappaw by hand,
· And they looked as good as any fine tailor’s work.
· She and Pappaw were the sharpest pair in outfits she color coordinated and made by herself.
· I think he had a matching suit to every dress she had, and they were always very hip!
· She truly had a wonderful talent with the hands God gave her.
Strength and honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
· More than physical clothing, though, Mai Mai was always more concerned with character.
· She was serious about her Christianity.
· She lived it 24-7.
· Every conversation with her usually came back around to something about God, the Bible or the church.
· She loved going to services, and one of her greatest sorrows as she was sick
· Was that she could not always be with her brethren when they assembled.
· She, like King David, truly rejoiced when she could go to the house of the Lord.
· But she and the family appreciated every act of kindness and love from the church
· You were truly a blessing to her…
She opens her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
· Whenever we asked it of her…and even when we did not…
· Mai Mai always had sound… godly advice for us.
· She had studied her Bible, and she always encouraged us grandchildren to do the right things and to be faithful to the Lord.
· She was kind to everyone, and her speech was always gracious, very much in keeping with the lady she was.
She looks well to the ways of her household, and eats not the bread of idleness.
Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.
· Pappaw had a lot to be proud of in Mai Mai. And we did too…
· She was a wonderful helpmeet for him, and did her best to meet all of his needs.
· She was both industrious and resourceful,
· Always finding a way to do things that might have stumped other people.
· She was funny, too… and that came in handy living with my grandfather.
· They shared a lot of laughter through the years,
· With Mai Mai enduring the telling of a lot of cheesy jokes and stories by the Edwards boys
· She also endured the attempts… of a young man who will remain nameless…
· Who constantly tried to rescue all the lizards in her shrubs…
· You would have though I… I mean… he… was bringing in rattlesnakes or something…
· She even stayed pretty calm… when said young man… attacked the lizards…
· Probably causing a couple hundred dollars worth of landscaping damage…oops…I am sorry
· That same summer…(which I think came to be known later as the Summer of Anguish?)
· That was the summer of the one and only movie Mai Mai ever went to see with a grandchild
· E.T…. I think poor Mai Mai had panic attacks for years after that one…
Many daughters have done virtuously, but you excel them all.
· It is hard many times when a person dies… to say that they have lived… an excellent life.
· I think we can say of Mai Mai that she excelled in her life.
· She exceeded… what was expected of her in so many ways.
· I think all who knew her would say that Mary Edwards
· Was an excellent wife, daughter, sister, grandmother…friend…employee & Christian,
· Among many roles that she played in her life
Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that fears the Lord, she shall be praised.
Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates."
· All of us leave a legacy...
· Mai Mai left much fruit of her hands… by which she will be remembered here on earth.
· I know that Mai Mai feared God.
· She respected God’s word… and tried to live as the Bible teaches us that we should.
· She shared her faith with others.
· Undoubtedly, even in death, she will still elicit praise for many years to come
· With the legacy she has made.
· Every so often, in my parents’ home… or in one of my siblings’ houses… or at home,
· We will run across something Pappaw and MaiMai made for us at some point in our life
· A carpet they sewed by hand… seahorses made of seashells… a lamp…
· And many other gifts they made with love for us.
· These gifts comfort us… and remind us of happy times together.
· While all material things will pass away…we know that MaiMai’s soul lives on in eternity
· And her memory lives eternally in our hearts.
· Her works here on earth will now praise her—
· Telling of her industrious… resolute spirit,
· And we will be comforted… with the deeply impressed memories of her beautiful smile…
· Her southern voice… her infectious laugh…her righteousness…& her ever-gracious manner.
· We will miss you, Mai Mai!
Proverbs 31…says…
"Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.
· Mary Edwards… or Mai Mai as we called her… certainly was a jewel in her own right!
· She was always…above all… a virtuous woman.
· Webster’s defines virtuous… as “morally excellent, righteous, or chaste.”
· Mai Mai was certainly all those things
· When I think of Mai Mai… I think of a true lady.
· She was always very modest and lady-like.
· She was very proper in her manner of living!
· First and foremost…she was a Christian
· And she knew what her role as a woman of God was in the church…home…and community.
· I think that her dear sister Martha…who has cared for her these many months
· Would agree… that Mai Mai was a priceless person.
· And Mai Mai would have said the same thing about Martha.
· They were inseparable in life.
· They grew up together… and worked together before they married.
· They married brothers… moved to Florida… and shared a home for many, many years.
· They shared many of the same talents…
· But most important… they shared the same precious faith.
· Doug noted that…it was rare for two couples to live together… and get along so well
· All four were even on the same checking account
The heart of her husband safely trusts in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
· Our Pappaw… Carl… always seemed to have the utmost trust in MaiMai.
· He expected that she would care for the home… and the business of the home,
· And never disappointed him.
· She had good… sound judgment… and he knew that he could count on her to run the home efficiently and joyfully!
· Pappaw and MaiMai were married for 42 years.
· They always seemed to us grandchildren as being crazily in love.
· He called her “Shuug…
· She called him Honey… or Darlin’ in that soft… southern accent of hers!
· Except she made “D…ar…linnnn…” have about six syllables… the way she said it.
· She always looked out for him… made sure that he took all his medicine on time,
· And that he did not eat too many of his beloved sweets or salty things!
· Which was basically the contraband that my father snuck him around holidays…
· Pappaw fussed about all the care she took of him, but in the end…
· He trusted her judgment… and he did what she suggested… most of the time!
She seeks wool, and flax, and works willingly with her hands.
· Perhaps one of MaiMai’s greatest talents was her sewing ability!
· I believe that is how Pappaw and MaiMai met.
· MaiMai knew a good sewing machine salesman when she saw one!
· He sold the sewing machines… and she sewed with the greatest of talent.
· He not only won her business… but he also won her heart!
· My sister can remember when Mai Mai and Aunt Martha
· Had an upholstery business in the garage of their home.
· They could sew anything… even without a pattern.
· Dana remembers a time when MaiMai cut out a dress for her and sewed it up,
· All in the space of a couple of hours… and without a pattern!
· It was one of her favorite dresses of all time!
She is like the merchants' ship; she bringeth her food from afar.
· Boy, could Mai Mai cook! After sewing all day, she would step into the kitchen,
· And she and Aunt Martha would whip up some of the most scrumptious dinners
· Using that good old… Southern cooking… they had learned back in Tennessee!
· Every meal she made was always wonderful.
· She could even make a sandwich special!
· Anyone who dined at her table feasted!
· And many did, as she was very hospitable, too.
· Don and Drew remember trying to guess what flavor pie Mai Mai had baked one time
· And they guessed “Grape.”
· She and Martha still laughed about that…the last time Don saw her.
· Instead of grape (which she could have figured out how to do if anyone could)
· She baked a wicked chocolate pie for their birthday… one of her specialties
She rises also while it is yet night, and gives meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. She considers a field, and buys it: with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard. She girds her loins with strength, and strengthens her arms. She perceives that her merchandise is good: her candle goes not out by night. She lays her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
· Mai Mai was never afraid of work… and she always was busy with something.
· If she was not sewing or cooking, she was finding something else to do in the house or yard.
· We remember one time that MaiMai and Marni had been after Pappaw & Uncle Ralph
· To get some paneling put up in their sunroom…and the job…just say…had not quite happened.
· So one day… they just went out there and got the hammers
· And they paneled that whole room themselves!
· And it looked just as good as a professional could have done!
· They also once bricked their own mailbox in…
She stretches out her hand to the poor; yea, she reaches forth her hands to the needy.
· Mai Mai could always find time to help someone in need.
· She was always tending to those in the church…caring for the elderly and sick.
· Everyone remembers how she and Martha took on the care of Ted and Pam when their mother was too sick to care for them.
· This they did in addition to all their other work.
· But being the humble Christian she was… Mai Mai did not brag about her good works.
· She was content to do what she could for the Lord… and let Him reward her efforts.
· We all remember the times she and Pappaw took us to the beach
· And after we all good and sunburned…she applied the dreaded, stinky vinegar
· We smelt like the Vlassic Pickle Factory…
· She sent regular birthday cards… and oranges at Christmas
She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. She makes herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land. She makes fine linen, and sells it; and delivers girdles unto the merchant.
· We also remember how Mai Mai would make suits for Pappaw by hand,
· And they looked as good as any fine tailor’s work.
· She and Pappaw were the sharpest pair in outfits she color coordinated and made by herself.
· I think he had a matching suit to every dress she had, and they were always very hip!
· She truly had a wonderful talent with the hands God gave her.
Strength and honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
· More than physical clothing, though, Mai Mai was always more concerned with character.
· She was serious about her Christianity.
· She lived it 24-7.
· Every conversation with her usually came back around to something about God, the Bible or the church.
· She loved going to services, and one of her greatest sorrows as she was sick
· Was that she could not always be with her brethren when they assembled.
· She, like King David, truly rejoiced when she could go to the house of the Lord.
· But she and the family appreciated every act of kindness and love from the church
· You were truly a blessing to her…
She opens her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
· Whenever we asked it of her…and even when we did not…
· Mai Mai always had sound… godly advice for us.
· She had studied her Bible, and she always encouraged us grandchildren to do the right things and to be faithful to the Lord.
· She was kind to everyone, and her speech was always gracious, very much in keeping with the lady she was.
She looks well to the ways of her household, and eats not the bread of idleness.
Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.
· Pappaw had a lot to be proud of in Mai Mai. And we did too…
· She was a wonderful helpmeet for him, and did her best to meet all of his needs.
· She was both industrious and resourceful,
· Always finding a way to do things that might have stumped other people.
· She was funny, too… and that came in handy living with my grandfather.
· They shared a lot of laughter through the years,
· With Mai Mai enduring the telling of a lot of cheesy jokes and stories by the Edwards boys
· She also endured the attempts… of a young man who will remain nameless…
· Who constantly tried to rescue all the lizards in her shrubs…
· You would have though I… I mean… he… was bringing in rattlesnakes or something…
· She even stayed pretty calm… when said young man… attacked the lizards…
· Probably causing a couple hundred dollars worth of landscaping damage…oops…I am sorry
· That same summer…(which I think came to be known later as the Summer of Anguish?)
· That was the summer of the one and only movie Mai Mai ever went to see with a grandchild
· E.T…. I think poor Mai Mai had panic attacks for years after that one…
Many daughters have done virtuously, but you excel them all.
· It is hard many times when a person dies… to say that they have lived… an excellent life.
· I think we can say of Mai Mai that she excelled in her life.
· She exceeded… what was expected of her in so many ways.
· I think all who knew her would say that Mary Edwards
· Was an excellent wife, daughter, sister, grandmother…friend…employee & Christian,
· Among many roles that she played in her life
Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that fears the Lord, she shall be praised.
Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates."
· All of us leave a legacy...
· Mai Mai left much fruit of her hands… by which she will be remembered here on earth.
· I know that Mai Mai feared God.
· She respected God’s word… and tried to live as the Bible teaches us that we should.
· She shared her faith with others.
· Undoubtedly, even in death, she will still elicit praise for many years to come
· With the legacy she has made.
· Every so often, in my parents’ home… or in one of my siblings’ houses… or at home,
· We will run across something Pappaw and MaiMai made for us at some point in our life
· A carpet they sewed by hand… seahorses made of seashells… a lamp…
· And many other gifts they made with love for us.
· These gifts comfort us… and remind us of happy times together.
· While all material things will pass away…we know that MaiMai’s soul lives on in eternity
· And her memory lives eternally in our hearts.
· Her works here on earth will now praise her—
· Telling of her industrious… resolute spirit,
· And we will be comforted… with the deeply impressed memories of her beautiful smile…
· Her southern voice… her infectious laugh…her righteousness…& her ever-gracious manner.
· We will miss you, Mai Mai!
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